Šolta Island: Quiet Anchorages Close to Split
Solta Island is one of Croatia’s most authentic and peaceful destinations. As part of the GOXPERIENCE Croatian Islands Sailing Guide, this page takes you through the best things to do in Solta, from hidden bays and snorkelling spots to local villages and unforgettable dining.
Solta is loved for its calm atmosphere, clear water, quiet anchorages, small fishing towns and slow island rhythm — the perfect stop on any sailing route through the Dalmatian coast.
Sailing to Solta Island with GOXPERIENCE
Most of our guests reach Solta Island after a relaxed sail from Marina Kaštela. The crossing is short but scenic: warm breeze, open views and an instant sense of slowing down. Solta often becomes one of the favourites of the week because it’s close, uncrowded and full of nature.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, Solta fits perfectly into a week of sailing thanks to its mix of bays, culture and local food.
Perfect Summer Conditions for Swimming & Sailing
From June to September, Šolta settles into its most inviting rhythm. Days hover gently between 25 and 30 degrees, the sea turns warm and calm, and the breeze softens into something even beginners find enjoyable. Long stretches of sunlight make every bay glow, and the island becomes an effortless playground for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and slow island wandering. It’s the kind of weather that makes you stay in the water longer than planned and linger on deck long after the sun has set.
Stomorska: Solta’s Classic Harbour Village
Stomorska is Solta’s oldest fishing town and one of the island’s most charming stops. Expect stone houses, flower-lined balconies, tiny lanes and a peaceful waterfront with colourful boats.
It’s a great place to:
- Enjoy fresh seafood
- Walk the promenade
- Swim in clear water nearby
- Relax in a quiet, local atmosphere
Limited marina spaces keep it calm and authentic — a big benefit for sailors.
Maslinica: The Best Sunset on Solta Island
Maslinica is famous for its sunset views. A row of tiny islands creates a perfect backdrop as the sky turns orange, pink and red. It’s one of the most photogenic places on Solta and a favourite stop on GOXPERIENCE weeks.
Necujam: Snorkelling & Calm Bays
Necujam is known for clear water and sheltered coves, making it an ideal place for:
- Snorkelling
- Paddleboarding
- Relaxed swimming
- Easy anchoring
It’s family-friendly, peaceful and great for a swim stop.
Grohote: Olive Groves & Island Traditions
Grohote, the island’s central village, is surrounded by century-old olive groves. Here you can:
- Walk quiet olive trails
- Visit local producers
- Sample award-winning olive oil
- Learn about Solta’s rural culture
A perfect break from the coastline.
Top Things to Do on Solta Island(GOXPERIENCE Picks)
These are the stops and experiences we regularly include in our sailing routes.
1. Visit Stomorska – Solta’s Authentic Harbour
A small, relaxed fishing village with local restaurants, a tiny marina and calm waters. Perfect for lunch, a swim or a peaceful overnight stay.
2. Anchor in Jorja Bay – Solta’s Best Hidden Gem
Jorja (Žorja) Bay is a secluded cove on the south side of Solta Island, only reachable by boat. Expect:
- Turquoise water
- Total quiet
- Pine forests
- A handful of mooring buoys
- A unique hilltop restaurant that picks you up by boat
Everything is cooked fresh and locally — a guest favourite every season.
Pro tip: Bring snorkel sets or a paddleboard. Jorja’s water is some of the clearest on the island.
3. Kayak Along the Coast of Rogac
Rogac offers calm paddling conditions and access to small coves and rocky beaches. A great morning activity for anyone who wants something active and peaceful.
4. Hike Vela Straža for 360° Views
The highest viewpoint on Solta offers panoramic views of Brac, Hvar, Split and the open sea. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike with fantastic photo spots.
5. Taste Local Food & Dalmatian Specialties
Solta Island is known for:
- Fresh fish
- Honey with rosemary
- High-quality olive oil
- Peka cooking
- Grilled seafood
Taking part in a tasting or cooking workshop adds a deeper cultural layer to your sailing trip.
6. Explore Maslinica & Sunset over Seven Islets
Maslinica is a idyllic, west-facing harbour village famous for its 300-year-old Martinis Marchi Castle and luxury marina. Whether you stroll past the historic stone walls, swim in neighboring Šešula Bay, or enjoy a drink as the sun dips behind the cluster of seven offshore islets, it is one of the most romantic evening stops in Central Dalmatia.
Why Solta Island Belongs in Your Croatian Island Route
Šolta fits the GOXPERIENCE sailing style so naturally that guests often feel it was made for weeks like ours. Days here unfold in quiet anchorages surrounded by nature and crystal-clear water, with small villages that still move at a local rhythm. Life feels relaxed, simple and authentic — exactly the kind of atmosphere that lets people disconnect and settle into the sea’s pace. Navigation between bays is easy and enjoyable, leaving plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and slow lunches onboard. And when you do step ashore, the food is honest and delicious, made from the same traditional ingredients the island has relied on for generations. In every way, Šolta Island offers space, calmness and an uncrowded coastline — a perfect match for what GOXPERIENCE stands for.
It’s one of the most rewarding islands to visit if you want a peaceful, local and nature-focused sailing experience.
Final Thoughts: Experience Solta the GOXPERIENCE Way
Solta Island is a place where time slows down. From hidden bays to family-run konobas, it offers the perfect balance of nature, culture and calm. Whether it’s a sunset in Maslinica or a swim in Jorja Bay, Solta is one of the highlights of our GOXPERIENCE route — a true Adriatic gem.
About GOXPERIENCE Sailing
At GOXPERIENCE Sailing, we don’t just write about exploring Croatia — we live it every day. As a professional skipper-host couple with years of sailing and hospitality experience, we take guests to the very places we describe in our guides: hidden bays, island towns, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable local spots. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends or family, you can join us aboard our comfortable Dufour Gib’Sea 51ft sailing yacht for an all-inclusive, small-group or private adventure. Situated in Marina Kastela, 20 min from Split Airport, this is the best starting point for your sailing adventure. If the blog inspired you, you can experience it with us in real life.
Explore More Croatian Islands
Discover the best of Croatia with our full island sailing guide:
- Brač – beaches, bays, viewpoints
- Hvar – culture, food, architecture
- Vis – hidden bays, snorkelling, nature
- Korčula – history, wine, old town
- Lastovo – remote, wild and untouched
FAQ Solta Island
Yes. GOXPERIENCE includes Solta Island on many of its curated routes, combining hidden bays, local food, swimming spots and scenic sailing between the Dalmatian islands.
All three. Solta is peaceful, easy to explore and full of nature. On GOXPERIENCE weeks, couples enjoy sunsets, solo travellers enjoy safe calm bays and group travellers enjoy swimming, snorkelling and local food.
No. Compared to islands like Hvar, Solta is much quieter. Even in summer, it keeps a laid-back, local feeling — one of the reasons GOXPERIENCE guests love it.
Most bays are quiet and natural, but Jorja Bay has one of the most unique restaurants in Croatia — located on a hill and only accessible via pickup from the bay.
The best time is June to September, when temperatures reach 25–30°C and the sea is warm and calm. Perfect conditions for sailing, paddleboarding and swimming.
Absolutely. Snorkelling is excellent, especially in Necujam, Jorja Bay and the small coves along the southern coastline. The water is clear, calm and full of marine life.
Jorja (Žorja) Bay is one of the best anchorages on Solta Island. It has turquoise water, silence, a few mooring buoys and an excellent hilltop restaurant that picks guests up by car.
Yes. Solta offers light winds, protected bays and short distances — perfect for first-time sailors or guests who want a calm introduction to island hopping.
Solta is known for quiet bays, clear water, local food, olive oil, honey, fishing villages and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Compared to Hvar or Brac, it’s much less crowded.
Top things to do in Solta include visiting Stomorska, watching the sunset in Maslinica, snorkelling in Necujam, hiking Vela Straža, and anchoring in Jorja Bay — one of the island’s most peaceful coves.
With GOXPERIENCE, the crossing takes 60-180 minutes depending on wind. It’s a relatively short, calm and scenic route ideal for beginners.
Solta Island lies just west of Split, between Brac and Drvenik. It’s close to the mainland, making it one of the easiest islands to reach on a sailing holiday in Croatia.
